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Posts Tagged ‘engagement rings’

Antique style engagement rings are a brilliant alternative to a few of the modern designs available nowadays. They’re inspired by amazing rings from different historical periods like Edwardian, Victorian, and Art Deco. Regularly they’ll comprise incredibly complicated filigree work that really reinforces their beauty.

There are many women who love the style and loveliness of antique engagement rings but need something brand spanking new. Their engagement ring is something they will wear for the rest of their lives and they do not need something that somebody else has worn. Antique style engagement rings can offer you that traditional look with a brand spanking new ring.

you will locate antique style engagement rings from a lot of alternative jewelry periods. Some of the main jewelry periods to take a look at include Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Retro and recent. Almost all of the antique style engagement rings you’ll be able to locate today represent types from the 1800s to the early twentieth century. Every era will have its own look and feel. Victorian era engagement rings will often include yellow or rose gold while rings from the early twentieth century usually use white gold or platinum. Edwardian rings frequently have complex filigree designs while Art Deco rings tend to have geometric shapes.

While diamonds are the most well liked type of stone to use in an antique style engagement ring you can also get them with many other stones as well . Several of the other gemstones that are ordinarily used in engagement rings include rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Other colourful gemstones can also be used as well . Think about what colors and stones you love best and contemplate counting them in your antique style engagement ring. Some of the enhancements you can hope to locate on antique style engagement rings are floral cutwork, lacy weaving, and filigreeing.

It may not be what most people expect but the history of the tradition of engagement rings is actually rather foggy and definitely rather unromantic. The earliest types of what would now be called engagement rings were used to symbolize that the woman was no long free to seek a husband, rather than the symbol of love associated with engagement rings of today. 

The Romans are the first group to use engagement rings, which were actually betrothal rings, as a way to signify a relationship. Again these were not the romantic engagements we know today; rather it was a way for the man to remind the woman that her heart belongs to him. It is interesting that the reason the third finger on the left has was selected is because ancient healers believed that the heart was connected with that particular finger by a vein.

The more modern style of decorative and detailed type of engagement rings started to surface in the Middle Ages. Precious stones such as rubies or sapphires were used in place of diamonds which were very rare. Only the wealthiest of royalty could afford to present these types of rings to their future spouses.

The first actual gift of an engagement ring with a diamond is attributed to Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in 1477.  He presented his betrothal ring to Mary of Burgundy and is largely credited with starting the diamond engagement ring tends. Soon everyone that could afford diamonds was including them on the betrothal rings. Poorer, average people continued to give rings that featured symbols, which is were the tradition of the claddagh ring started. 

Up to the late 18th and early 19th centuries there were definite diamond shortages, meaning few could afford these precious gems. When mines were found in South America and Africa, diamonds of all shapes and sizes became more popular and affordable and the modern engagement rings came into vogue.

Diamonds are some of the hardest gems, resistant to almost any type of damage. While the saying diamonds are forever was a marketing slogan, it is also one of the reasons they become so essential in engagement rings. Since there were many different qualities of diamonds on the market, the next step was to develop some type of grading for the stones.

Certified diamonds are now available in all reputable jewelry stores and wholesalers. This certification is actually the physical description of the stone that allows grading to occur and proves the diamond is, in fact, exactly what the jeweler claims it is. Buying certified diamonds is important both for peace of mind but also for appraisal and insurance purposes.  

While the history of engagement rings may be more practical than romantic, they are now a true and lasting symbol of love and commitment. Buying engagement rings with certified diamonds helps to protect your investment and help you determine the ring that is just right.

The history behind the very romantic tradition of men presenting the women they love with engagement rings is a bit less appealing than what happens now. In reality the earliest forms of engagement rings were more practical rather than romantic and were largely a sign that the woman was considered to be owned or part of the man’s property.  

As with many of our modern traditions, the Romans are likely the origin of the use of engagement rings. These very plain steel bands were placed on a woman’s left hand, third finger, to keep her true to the man she was going to marry. The reason this particular finger was used is because the early doctors and healers believed that a vein connected this finger to the heart, which was seen as the center of truth and honesty.

The Middle Ages saw the continued use of engagement rings, although they started to look a bit more like modern engagement rings. Diamonds were still so rare as to be impossible to get, so other precious gems such as emeralds or rubies were used. Only the very wealthy were able to afford these rings, but they were highly prized.

The first actual gift of an engagement ring with a diamond is attributed to Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg in 1477.  He presented his betrothal ring to Mary of Burgundy and is largely credited with starting the diamond engagement ring tends. Soon everyone that could afford diamonds was including them on the betrothal rings. Poorer, average people continued to give rings that featured symbols, which is were the tradition of the claddagh ring started. 

After diamond mines in South American and Africa were discovered and went into production in the 1800s and 1900s, diamonds become more available to the average working person. Smaller sized diamonds were now affordable, and marketing engagement rings became practical.

Diamonds are some of the hardest gems, resistant to almost any type of damage. While the saying diamonds are forever was a marketing slogan, it is also one of the reasons they become so essential in engagement rings. Since there were many different qualities of diamonds on the market, the next step was to develop some type of grading for the stones.

Now consumers can buy diamond engagement rings with confidence since gems in the rings are certified. Certified diamonds have been full described in the document of certification, allowing the buyer to know every aspect of the diamond before purchase.  

While the history of engagement rings may be more practical than romantic, they are now a true and lasting symbol of love and commitment. Buying engagement rings with certified diamonds helps to protect your investment and help you determine the ring that is just right.

Vintage is often a term that is used when describing fashions from the past that aren’t quiet at the level of being considered antiques but are still classics. Vintage engagement rings can be from any time period considered to be more modern than ancient, typically from the early 1900’s to the retro period of even into the 1970’s.

Most of the engagement rings from these time periods had very distinctive qualities that uniquely categorize the rings as being vintage. Typically the rings included both yellow and white gold combinations on the bands, however platinum was and is also used in creating some very unique settings and bands.

In a great number of these engagement rings the band tends to be very narrow at the back of the ring, then widens and expands to present a moderately large front surface area. It is common for the band to be yellow gold and the mountings for the diamonds to be in white gold, providing additional light reflection around the diamonds.

Rather than completely all small diamonds or one large diamond, vintage rings tend to use more medium to smaller sized diamonds to create the sparkle and shine. Other precious and semi-precious stones are common in settings for these types of engagement rings. 

A popular cut in vintage engagement rings as well as in antique diamond rings is the cushion cut. Cushion cut engagement rings have a beautiful, soft internal sparkle and fire and are ideal to stand alone on a simple band. The cut also works well with interlocking and curved wedding band and engagement ring sets. 

Originally known as candlelight diamonds, cushion cut diamonds were in highest demand at the turn of the century. The softer facets really reflected light from candles, hence the common name for the cut. Almost all cushion cut diamonds are an oval to soft rectangular shape but there is lots of variation.

The facets on vintage style or new versions of the cushion cut diamond tend to include longer, more open facets. This allows slightly more light loss from the diamond, resulting in the softer reflection without loosing all the light internally. Generally these diamonds are used as either solitaire or in pave type settings surrounded by smaller diamonds.  

Vintage engagement rings featuring some of the detailed filigree and metal work from these earlier times are a great option for a classic yet unusual style. Browsing through estate jewelry sales for rings or purchasing a new creation of a modern classic are both great options for finding these styles of engagement rings.

There are many different styles of wedding rings that have, through history, become known as the traditional styles. Some of these wedding rings are from different regions of the world, while others are more universally used in all different areas. Choosing traditional gold wedding rings is common in many cultures, and this tradition can trace its roots back to early Roman times.

Another very traditional option for wedding rings is to for the wedding band itself to be very classic and unadorned. It is believed that this tradition is from the Jewish tradition of an exchange of an item between the groom and bride-to-be at the time of the wedding.  The plain gold wedding rings symbolize purity and love as opposed to something of monetary value. 

Irish claddagh rings have a long tradition for both wedding rings as well as friendship rings. Prior to the marriage the couple wears the rings with the point of the heart away from the body, but after marriage the ring is reversed, with the heart pointing towards the body. 

Many cultures used different types of gold or even different metals in their wedding rings.  This typically occurred because of the prevalence of different metals, or to signify specific religious theme. The traditional Russian wedding ring is actually three separate yet connected bands, often in the metals of white, yellow and rose gold. The three gold colors represent the Holy Trinity and the rings symbolize their love and commitment to each other. 

Throughout the world the most common metals used in wedding rings include sterling silver, platinum and white and yellow gold. Typically most yellow gold rings will be 14K to 24K gold, although there are some alternatives. 

Classic wedding rings can also include variations on the elegant and traditional gold bands. Milgrain bridal rings are very popular for both women and men and offer a slight beading pattern round the outer edges of the band, catching and reflecting light as the ring moves.

With the new classic wedding rings the solitaire style is very much in fashion today just as it has been for hundreds of years. This style features a single diamond, often fairly substantial in size, mounted above a simple, elegant band. This style is very popular for both engagement rings with interlocking wedding rings or those that are matched with a simple gold band. 

Solitaire rings are considered classics with regards to wedding rings since they are both timeless but also completely in fashion. Since they will match so well with any type of band, eternity ring or anniversary ring they are an outstanding choice for wedding rings that will always be in style.

There are many different styles of wedding rings that have, through history, become known as the traditional styles. Some of these wedding rings are from different regions of the world, while others are more universally used in all different areas. Choosing traditional gold wedding rings is common in many cultures, and this tradition can trace its roots back to early Roman times.

Although many times in modern ring designs the wedding rings and the band are very ornate, this isn’t the case in every tradition. The Jewish religion used the exchange between the bride and groom of very simple, unadorned wedding bands as a sign of their commitment to each other. Wedding rings were intentionally very simple and plain to show that their love was pure, not at all a function of wealth or prestige. 

From the Irish culture comes the very well known claddagh ring. This ring features clasped hands, a heart and a crown symbolizing love, loyalty and friendship. The couple, before marriage, wears the rings with the heart directed away from the wearer, but after marriage it is turns in, to symbolize love for each other. 

In other cultures gold wedding rings were not traditional, but rather rings of other metals and even combinations of metals were used. Russian interlinked wedding rings traditionally include three different colors of metal, typically white, rose and yellow gold. The three colors are said to signify the Holy Trinity and bless the union. 

Throughout the world the most common metals used in wedding rings include sterling silver, platinum and white and yellow gold. Typically most yellow gold rings will be 14K to 24K gold, although there are some alternatives. 

Classic wedding rings can also include variations on the elegant and traditional gold bands. Milgrain bridal rings are very popular for both women and men and offer a slight beading pattern round the outer edges of the band, catching and reflecting light as the ring moves.

Moving to more contemporary classics and traditional rings is the solitaire style of wedding rings. These are beautiful in their striking simplicity, typically a simple band topped with an exquisite diamond. Solitaire rings can be found in bridal sets or as individual engagement rings. 

Solitaire rings are considered classics with regards to wedding rings since they are both timeless but also completely in fashion. Since they will match so well with any type of band, eternity ring or anniversary ring they are an outstanding choice for wedding rings that will always be in style.

Vintage is often a term that is used when describing fashions from the past that aren’t quiet at the level of being considered antiques but are still classics. Vintage engagement rings can be from any time period considered to be more modern than ancient, typically from the early 1900’s to the retro period of even into the 1970’s.

Most of the engagement rings from these time periods had very distinctive qualities that uniquely categorize the rings as being vintage. Typically the rings included both yellow and white gold combinations on the bands, however platinum was and is also used in creating some very unique settings and bands.

The bands in these slightly older styles of engagement rings tend to be different from modern band styles. The shank or back part of the band is often very small and round while the front is flatter, raised and wider. On many of the rings in vintage collection the band is often yellow gold and the settings or mounts in white gold. Not only does this add detail but it also collects light and focuses it in on the diamonds.

Many vintage engagement rings feature groups of small, medium or average sized diamonds rather than one large solitaire. The different sizes and shapes of diamonds in the setting help with light reflection and really sparkle with the ring is turned with normal movement. In addition other gems may be included in the setting, dropping bits of bright color onto the central diamonds.  

A popular cut in vintage engagement rings as well as in antique diamond rings is the cushion cut. Cushion cut engagement rings have a beautiful, soft internal sparkle and fire and are ideal to stand alone on a simple band. The cut also works well with interlocking and curved wedding band and engagement ring sets. 

Cushion cut diamonds are also sometimes known as candlelight diamonds since they reflect even the subtle light from candles used historically in homes. They tend to be more oval to rounded rectangular in shape and have a very soft and almost understated appearance on engagement rings.

The facets on vintage style or new versions of the cushion cut diamond tend to include longer, more open facets. This allows slightly more light loss from the diamond, resulting in the softer reflection without loosing all the light internally. Generally these diamonds are used as either solitaire or in pave type settings surrounded by smaller diamonds.  

Looking through estate sales or selecting jewelers that offer replicas of vintage engagement rings may provide you with some options you hadn’t previously considered. The detail in these rings really makes them unique and different from modern engagement rings.

When selecting wedding rings it is also important to consider how the rings can be matched with anniversary rings or even eternity rings in the future. Many couples don’t stop to take these additional ring options in mind when selecting his and her wedding rings and may select styles that these additional bands simply don’t work with.

Typically anniversary and eternity rings are worn with the wedding rings and like engagement rings are traditionally only worn by women. There are several popular styles of anniversary bands or eternity rings, with almost as many options or styles as you would expect with engagement and wedding rings.  

Anniversary rings and eternity rings are meant to be a symbol of the ongoing love between the couple. They are often rather understated when compared to elaborate engagement rings. They are, however, often more ornate than wedding bands, especially if the bands are very simple in their design.

Since these rings can be worn over or on top of the engagement  and wedding rings they tend to have inset diamonds rather than diamonds in raised settings. Channel setting are ideal for these rings since they allow maximum light reflection while keeping the stones flush with the surface of the ring. Most channel style rings will be made of platinum, white gold or yellow gold. Gemstones range from diamonds to rubies, emeralds and sapphires

Pave style rings with their encrusting of diamonds over part or all of the band are also very common in anniversary or eternity rings. These rings are popular since they match very well with both more ornate engagement rings and wedding bands as well as the more classic and elegant simpler styles.

For a setting that is flush with the surface of the wedding rings or anniversary bands the bezel style is always popular. Often the diamonds, which are slightly larger in size, are placed in a pattern around the band. Each diamond catches and reflects light for a beautiful display. 

Different cuts of diamonds work very well with all these types of settings. Some of the more popular cuts include the princess cut and the emerald cut. Both of these cuts provide many facets for light reflection and sparkle.

Finding a perfect match for the eternity or anniversary ring and the wedding rings is not as important as finding rings that compliment each other.  Often if couples take the time to talk to the jeweler when looking at wedding rings they can discover what options are available to add on to the wedding set later

When selecting wedding rings it is also important to consider how the rings can be matched with anniversary rings or even eternity rings in the future. Many couples don’t stop to take these additional ring options in mind when selecting his and her wedding rings and may select styles that these additional bands simply don’t work with.

Most anniversary or eternity rings are given as gifts by the husband to the wife and are worn as a third ring with the engagement and wedding rings.  Since there are so many different styles, most wedding ring sets will match one or more anniversary rings as well.  

Anniversary rings and eternity rings are meant to be a symbol of the ongoing love between the couple. They are often rather understated when compared to elaborate engagement rings. They are, however, often more ornate than wedding bands, especially if the bands are very simple in their design.

One of the more popular options in settings for eternity or anniversary rings is the channel setting. This can be either fully done in smaller diamonds or diamonds can be alternated with other precious or semi-precious stones.  The channel holds the gems in place without obvious mountings, providing brilliant color through the ring and the diamonds.

Another option for eternity rings to be worn with either simple or detailed wedding rings is the pave setting style. These rings are designed to allow the diamond chips to fill in part or the entire ring, making it truly sparkle and shine.

A comparable setting for modern looking as well as classically designed eternity rings is the bezel setting. This bezel setting is also popular with engagement and wedding rings, making it a good match. Diamonds can be set into the ring in patterns or a single diamond to add detail.  

Different cuts of diamonds work very well with all these types of settings. Some of the more popular cuts include the princess cut and the emerald cut. Both of these cuts provide many facets for light reflection and sparkle.

Finding a perfect match for the eternity or anniversary ring and the wedding rings is not as important as finding rings that compliment each other.  Often if couples take the time to talk to the jeweler when looking at wedding rings they can discover what options are available to add on to the wedding set later

Classic jewelry and fashion designs never go out of style, and sometimes looking back into the past provides new ideas for the future . This is also true with engagement rings, although most styles are really timeless in their beautify and styling. Most engagement rings will actually be a combination of classical designs combined with modern twists and features.

One of the most obvious ways in which engagement rings can differ with regards to classic or modern styles is in the cut of the diamond or diamonds on the ring itself. Emerald cuts, princess cuts and even the classic round solitaire continue to be in demand, however newer band designs can really change the rings overall appearance. Even the relatively uncommon cushion cut is much more readily available.

New styles of cuts including a triangular cut known as a trilliant diamond shape. This diamond features all the shine and fire of the traditional cuts plus the unique shape that adds to any of the more modern styles of engagement rings. New cuts including diamonds in the shape of hearts, flowers and even more free-form type diamonds are also becoming more common .

However, many people are just as interesting in returning to the more tried and true styles of engagement rings. Antique engagement rings may be literally estate type jewelry, or they can be modern recreations of old classics.  Deciding if a modern or antique style is best is really related to personal taste, but it is important to take a look.

Art deco is one of the more unique styles of engagement rings from the past. Much more free style in design, these rings were and still are on the cutting edge of jewelry design. Groupings of stones or unique individual diamond shapes figure heavily in this style of jewelry.

Many of the new versions of older, antique style rings include raised diamonds and bands on the front part of the ring. Gold, silver or platinum can be used to add details such as filigree, flowers and intricate designs along the sides of the raised areas of the ring.

The Victorian style of jewelry design is one of the classic styles for engagement rings that have resurfaced as beautiful option. These rings can be either a combination wedding and engagement ring or they can be combined with matching wedding bands or even simple wedding bands.

Looking through the new versions of classic styles for engagement rings is a great option to find that perfect engagement ring. You may wish to consider different metals or newer cuts of diamonds to further enhance the beauty of these traditional engagement rings.